Member Since: 14 Jun 2011
Location: Essex
Posts: 81
Cleaning Tow-Ball
LR have just replaced my detachable with a fixed at N/C.
The new fixed tow-ball is coated black and I would be concerned it might contaminate the friction pads in the hitch.
When I asked the dealership they responded:-
"If you wish to clean this off most would use a light abrasive such at scotch bright however most do not clean this off as it does not usually cause contamination."
For various reasons, I don't have huge faith in the Dealership (there has been quite an episode with the replacement) and would value opinion from others. D3 HSE 06 with all the bells and whistles
New engine at 80k!
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Pulling Sterling Continental 630
29th Sep 2016 10:53 am
Ted Newman
Member Since: 09 Oct 2010
Location: SE London
Posts: 840
Both the main caravan chassis manufacturers state that the tow ball should be cleaned of all paint as well as any grease - so I suggest you tell your dealer they do not know what they are talking about.
PS This obviously only applies to friction stability tow hitches as fitted to ALKO and BPW chassis.LR Discovery 4 XS pulling an Airstream 532 Caravan also own (since new) a 1996 MGF
29th Sep 2016 10:58 am
Eyeball
Member Since: 14 Jun 2011
Location: Essex
Posts: 81
Agreed Ted....and thanks for prompt response.
I think cleaning it would be important. I cannot begin to tell you how much hassle I have had over this!
Cynically, i think its because my Disco is 10 years old and they don't like it sullying their forecourt!!
Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Beds/Bucks Border
Posts: 1877
Soon as I got it I used a bit of wet and dry to remove the paint. MY2023 Discovery 5 R-Dynamic 3.0
MY2020 Discovery 5 Landmark 3.0 - SOLD
MY2005 Discovery 3 V8 4.4 HSE - SOLD
MY2019 Discovery 5 SE 3.0 - LR Replaced !
MY2005 Discovery 3 S 2.7 - SOLD
MY2016 Discovery 4 Graphite - SOLD
MY2015 Discovery 4 SE Tech - SOLD
29th Sep 2016 1:58 pm
dunton10
Member Since: 23 Dec 2006
Location: SUTTON COLDFIELD, WEST MIDS
Posts: 208
Definitely clean off all the paint from the ball otherwise the friction pads in your caravan hitch will be ruined.
give the ball a wipe with a cloth with a bit of brake cleaner on it to remove any remaining dust.
Dealer doesn't have a clue as usual.
My disco 4 with xenons went in for a service testerday. Asked them to look at headlight adjustment as several vehicles have flashed me recently now darker nights are here.
" no issues found sir , but of course you can adjust these from inside the cabin"
No I cant I replied xenons dont have adjustment on the SE Tech model.
Yes you can its this dial here he says pointing to the dial that reduces the brightness of the dash /dial lights!!
Currently 2015 D4 SE Tech, Corris Grey
RLD Protector, led interior lights, timed climate, towing equipment
Previously
2006 D3 S
2001 TD5
1996 Shogun LWB
1989 Range Rover TDVM
1st Oct 2016 1:28 pm
D4mation
Member Since: 29 Jul 2011
Location: Ruralshire
Posts: 593
Emery cloth/sandpaper tends to lightly score the surface of the ball, but this gets polished smooth by the hitchhead pads over time, so expect a bit of groaning from the hitch initially.
I used a gas blow lamp to burn off the coating, followed by fine wire wool to polish it up, finishing off with brake cleaner. No groaning, no contamination of pads.MY12 D4 HSE Ipanema Sand
6th Oct 2016 10:00 am
Someone-Gone
Member Since: 21 Dec 2015
Location: Gone
Posts: 5117
I have a new unbraked Ifor Williams P7 750kg single axle trailer. It has a pressed steel hitch.
I connected it up to the removable LR tow ball and after a few days noticed marking on the tow ball, the black paint had worn on the front and back, plus the front, the bit nearest the trailer had some small scratches in the metal.
I asked LRCS for their opinion and they said the paint should be cleaned off the tow ball. I know this holds true for some caravans, but a small domestic trailer?
Anyway, I have cleaned the black paint off. I've also cleaned the hitch and reapplied some grease as per Ifor Williams instruction booklet. The wear indicator on the hitch is okay, in the plus, but showing a reading close to the minus, which would mean replacing the hitch and or tow ball. Logic would state the diameter is slightly smaller with the paint removed. I wondered what the opinion was.
2nd Apr 2017 8:49 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
I tow a similar IW and had the same tow ball for 12 years with zero issues.
Did you grease the ball well enough?Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 21 Dec 2015
Location: Gone
Posts: 5117
I only purchased it new in February. The main IW dealer just hitched it up and off I went. I did about 100 miles of towing it on trips to the local dump then noticed the marking. It was greased, but not generously.
LRCS said,
I can confirm that after further investigation it has been advised that the tow ball painted from new. Once a trailer is attached and towed, it may potentially rub off as this is not uncommon.
If the trailer has an Alko type hitch, Alko recommend that the paint is removed before first use, otherwise it contaminates the pads that help prevent the trailer from snaking.
I hope this provides further clarification on the matter.
2nd Apr 2017 9:26 pm
JackNorris
Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Beds/Bucks Border
Posts: 1877
I would say that is nothing uncommon
Before towing alko hitches, my tow balls never stayed black for long then, they rt scratched up and paint flakes off. I wouldn't be too concerned. Might be work putting some grease on your ball, possibly a bit of metal on metal there MY2023 Discovery 5 R-Dynamic 3.0
MY2020 Discovery 5 Landmark 3.0 - SOLD
MY2005 Discovery 3 V8 4.4 HSE - SOLD
MY2019 Discovery 5 SE 3.0 - LR Replaced !
MY2005 Discovery 3 S 2.7 - SOLD
MY2016 Discovery 4 Graphite - SOLD
MY2015 Discovery 4 SE Tech - SOLD
3rd Apr 2017 11:11 am
Someone-Gone
Member Since: 21 Dec 2015
Location: Gone
Posts: 5117
Thanks Jack, I'd seen you had something similar happen.
I've removed the paint on the head of the tow ball and cleaned it up. Boy was it a PITA to do. I've also greased up the hitch.
When I contacted LRCS, then they were a bit non committal. Nothing new there. I was just getting hacked off, both tow ball and trailer were split new, so somethings happening that shouldn't.
My only other concern was the wear indicator on the IW trailer was still in the green, but showing a bias towards the negative. It's the just on at the left end of the actual horizontal + symbol. In truth, I can't remember where it was before.
3rd Apr 2017 11:33 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
My ball has more of a thin anodised finish rather than a layer of paint.
Worth checking the inside of the hitch as it may have some rough manufacturing burrs on it that could be smoothed out.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
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